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Gregory P Meeker

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Particulate Matter Identification in Lung Tissue from Deployers, Positive, and Negative controls Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (2013-2016)
We developed and tested a new method for in situ characterization and distribution of inorganic particles in biopsied lung tissue from three diverse human subject groups using field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive analyzer. Backscattered electron and secondary electron images of particulate matter in lung tissue were acquired. Inorganic particulate matter in the field of view of the image was analyzed using energy dispersive spectroscopy and subsequently identified and cataloged.
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Distribution of Fibrous Erionite in the United States and Implications For Human Health
Fibrous erionite, a zeolite mineral, has been designated as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization and is believed to be the cause of extraordinarily high rates of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos - related diseases in several villages in Central Turkey. A recent study by the University of Hawaii in collaboration with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in Dunn County, North Dakota has demonstrated similar human exposures to fibrous erionite as those in found in Turkey. The source of these exposures is an erionite - bearing volcanic tuff that has been mined, crushed, and used to gravel hundreds of miles of roads. While elevated rates of mesothelioma are not yet apparent in North Dakota,...
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We developed and tested a new method for in situ characterization and distribution of inorganic particles in biopsied lung tissue from three diverse human subject groups using field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive analyzer. A backscattered electron image of each frame was acquired to locate inorganic particulate matter. The electron beam was deflected to points on the particles in the field of view to acquire an energy dispersive spectrum. The acquired spectra were used to identify the particle type.
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We developed and tested a new method for in situ characterization and distribution of inorganic particles in biopsied lung tissue from three diverse human subject groups using field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive analyzer. The ICP-MS data table provides the concentrations of elements (in parts per billion) analyzed in the filtrate solutions from the tissue digestion method. This step was done to help determine if the phases identified during the in situ examination might dissolve during tissue digestion in a bleach solution.
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We developed and tested a new method for in situ characterization and distribution of inorganic particles in biopsied lung tissue from three diverse human subject groups using field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive analyzer. This library of phase spectra is provided to show the typical energy dispersive spectrum of the inorganic particulate matter identified in lung biopsy sections.
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